Senator Sam Brownback has put a hold on the White House's nomination of a prominent abortion-rights supporter to a diplomatic post.

The Kansas Republican, a strong abortion opponent, says he has concerns about Julie Finley's nomination as ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Brownback is chairman of the Helsinki Commission, an independent U.S. government agency that formulates policy for the diplomatic organization.

Finley is a longtime Bush supporter and Republican fundraiser, and also a founding member of the WISH list, a political action committee that raises money for female Republican candidates who support abortion rights.

A spokesman says Brownback is meeting with Finley Thursday to
discuss her nomination. Finley is not commenting.